Celine had been in failing health for the past two years. There will no public calling hours.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2013, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Massena, with Rev. Donald J. Manfred presiding.

Celine is survived by her loving companion of 22 years, Randy Peets; her father, Pierre Philibert; a sister, Brigitte, both of Avignon, France; brother Serge of Macon, France.

Celine is also survived by her nieces, Lauren and Pailine, and a nephew, Charles, all of France.

She was predeceased by her mother.

Celine was born in Avignon, France on October 6, 1956, the daughter of Pierre and Francine (Dominique) Philibert. She earned a B.A. in English/Spanish and International Business from Dijon University.

Celine received her Master’s in Business Administration from Miami University and eventually a M.A. and PH.D in French Literature and Cinema from Ohio State University. Celine held the position of Professor in the Department of Modern Languages at SUNY Potsdam since 1990. She served as chairman of the department for a number of years.

Celine and Randy traveled extensively throughout the world. Celine took much pride in her French heritage and her newly acquired American Citizenship. A Memorial Mass will be held in France at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Celine’s memory may do so by making a monetary donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s “Jimmy Fund," 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7295.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Phillips Memorial Home, Massena.